Unfortunately I succumbed to a cold which was doing the rounds in Con Dao, hence the long time since I last posted. I am on the mend now.
We arrived in Saigon on New Years Eve and booked into the Hotel Majestic which has been there since 1925. Our two night stay there was our Christmas treat from Amanda and Andrew, and it was very much appreciated. The first impressions of Saigon were the wider streets and the speed of the traffic, more four wheeled vehicles but still lots and lots of motorbikes and scooters. Our rooms weren't ready so we went across the road to the Runam Bistro for some lunch, once back at the hotel we found we had been upgraded to two adjoining suites, very nice!
Flying into Saigon, first sight of the Mekong Delta
The plan for the evening was to visit various street food vendors but this was rather thwarted by the fact that a city train system is being built through the centre and it effectively cut us off from where Amanda wanted to take us. In addition part of the centre had been closed to traffic for the celebrations which meant, of course, that all the other surrounding streets were extremely busy, I found it very difficult negotiating the very uneven surfaces and the traffic, but eventually we found a market stall which suited our needs. It's the first time I have eaten a New Years Eve Dinner on the roadside, but the food was good, the atmosphere was great and it was fun!
The City Hall
Lotus fountain with the city hall in the background
One wonders where they were all going.....and where they would park!
Once back at the hotel Amanda Orlo and I played Rummikub to keep ourselves going until midnight. Michael went to bed shortly after 10 as usual, he hasn't seen a New Year in for years. The hotel is located on the river front and the doormen had already informed us that we would be able to see the fireworks from right outside the hotel. After a glass of something sparkling (Amanda and I, Andrew declined, Orlo had orange juice) we were outside on the stroke of midnight. The fireworks were spectacular and went on for 15minutes precisely. By this time the road had been closed and a large crowd had formed, but it was very well behaved and non threatening. Lots of young people and families enjoying the show.
A new decade has arrived!
The next day Michael went exploring, I wasn't up to much so went with Amanda and Orlo to the Saigon Mall so that Orlo could spend some of his Christmas money which was burning a hole in his pocket. He wanted some video games and eventually found them at a small shop up the street, I had retired to Starbucks by that time! The mission was accomplished and we went back to the hotel where I spent the afternoon in bed!
A, A and O went to visit some friends later in the afternoon then we all met up at The Deck, a very nice restaurant on the river. We had an excellent meal there M and I having the crispy duck pancakes. In general we have not been eating big meals, we usually choose from the appetiser menu, the portions are quite enough. We have had good breakfasts though and the choice at the Majestic was amazing, as was the view.
All smartened up for New Years Day!
The view at breakfast at the Majestic .
The plan for Thursday 2nd January to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, which will be the subject of the next instalment .......
No comments:
Post a Comment